Water Act licences

Search for Water Act licences in Alberta.

Important notices

  • Authorization Viewer May 22 search changes

    Beginning May 22, 2025, the Authorization Viewer will no longer support searches for Water Act licences and preliminary certificates. These activities can be carried out in the Environmental Records Viewer.

  • Move your water licence to DRAS

    If you are an individual or organization holding Water Act (or preceding Water Resources Act) licence(s) issued, renewed or amended before November 2021 by the Government of Alberta, you must move your water licence(s) into the Digital Regulatory Assurance System (DRAS).

    Licences renewed and amended after November 2021 are already in DRAS and do not need to be moved.

    Read Move my Licence: Water Act on the DRAS page to learn more about how to move your water licence(s).

Overview

There are 2 ways to search for and view water licences issued by the Alberta government:

  • Environmental Records Viewer - uses a provincial map to display the location and details of surface water and groundwater licences and preliminary certificates throughout Alberta. It also provides a tool to search for licences within user-specified parameters and view the results in a detailed report.
  • Alberta Flow Estimation Tool for Ungauged Watersheds - uses a provincial map to search for surface and groundwater licences throughout Alberta.

Licences and registrations may be located in the centre of the quarter sections, if the latitude or longitude is not available on the file. The approved plans under the Water Act files will have an accurate point of diversion.

For approved plans, see: Water Act forms.

Disclaimer

The water allocation licence information provided on this website is for the convenience of individuals researching the potential of arranging a water allocation transfer, or for other purposes. The department endeavours to provide accurate information but does not guarantee any part of the site is accurate or up-to-date. 

The information provided on the website should not be relied upon, and all data should be verified by examining the original paper documents in a department office prior to making any decisions or commitments. Water allocation licences are public information. The department does not accept responsibility for any damages that may result from reliance on any information found on this website.

How to use

  1. Environmental Records Viewer
  2. Alberta Flow Estimation Tool for Ungauged Watersheds

Contact

Connect with us for more information on searching for and viewing Alberta Water Act licences:

Environmental Records Viewer
Email: [email protected]

Alberta Flow Estimation Tool for Ungauged Watersheds
Email: [email protected]